Fighting Lin Tao!

'Master, that red-headed giant over there looks like he wants to tear you to shreds.' Qinglan's worried voice rang out from the Spirit World.

'Hmm?'

Lei Ming looked up and noticed Lin Tao for the first time. Now, Lei Ming wasn't one to back down from a fight, but he was someone who preferred to get some information rather than blindly fighting others.

In this world, there might be a lot of people playing the pig to eat the tiger!

Turning his attention back to Bai Yuelin, he asked, "Do you know that red-headed behemoth staring at us? I get the feeling that he is a teensy bit upset at us eating together."

Noticing Lin Tao for the first time as well, Bai Yuelin groaned, "Ugh, that bastard has had a thing for me ever since he joined the sect a year ago. He wouldn't stop pestering me to be his Dao partner. Normally I would cripple someone for proposing such a heinous thing to me but the Lin Family is around the same level as my Bai Clan and it would cause a huge mess if I were to harm one of them." 

"He's only at the third level of Qi Refining even though he joined the sect a year ago. People like him are worthless, focusing on relationships and other matters and wasting the resources handed to them." 

Bai Yuelin scoffed, clearly the thought of Lin Tao irritated her deeply.

'Third level huh? That shouldn't be a problem with my current abilities.'

Lei Ming filed this important information in his brain. 

 On the other side of the hall, Lin Tao first noticed Bai Yuelin looking at him and got excited all of a sudden.

Taking this as an opportunity, he waved at her and began to walk over all haughtily, as if he needed to protect her from the treacherous lion that was Lei Ming. 

However, after only taking a few steps he saw the two of them get up from their seats in tandem, as if they were perfectly in sync. They went to return their plates and walked to the exit, chatting along the way.

Lin Tao couldn't take seeing his goddess like this anymore, indulging another man other than him. 

Bai Yuelin was so attractive to him because of her normally cold, indifferent attitude, especially towards other male disciples who chased after her. 

He thought that over time, she would see his manly appeal and begin to succumb to his dastardly gorgeous appearance. 

Yet, even after a year, he had made no visible progress in even getting her to acknowledge him.

Therefore, seeing Bai Yuelin willingly conversing with another man so casually set off a fuse in the already hot-tempered Lin Tao.

After Lei Ming and Bai Yuelin said their goodbyes and separated, Lin Tao hastily followed after the former.

Lei Ming strolled leisurely down the path, taking in the serene beauty of the Heavenly Sky Mountain. The towering peaks, shrouded in mist, created a picturesque backdrop that seemed almost otherworldly. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine, and the soft rustle of leaves added a calming rhythm to his walk.

'Master, do you know that red-headed fellow is following you?' Qinglan's voice rang out from the Spirit World, her tone tinged with concern. 'And do you have a plan for dealing with him?'

Lei Ming smirked, his stride remaining unhurried. 'Of course I know. Let him follow. I'm curious to see what he'll do.'

Qinglan sighed internally. 'You're far too nonchalant for your own good, Master. Just be careful.'

'Relax,' Lei Ming replied confidently. 'I've got this.'

He slowed his pace slightly, allowing Lin Tao to catch up. The heavy thuds of approaching footsteps soon echoed behind him, and within moments, Lin Tao was upon him.

"Hey, you!" Lin Tao's voice boomed, filled with barely contained rage. "Just who do you think you are, cozying up to Bai Yuelin like that?"

Before Lei Ming could respond, Lin Tao's large hand shot out and grabbed him by the collar, effortlessly lifting him off the ground. Despite being a bit taller than six feet himself, Lei Ming was dwarfed by Lin Tao's towering frame, the size difference stark and undeniable.

Lin Tao's eyes burned with fury as he brought Lei Ming closer, practically snarling in his face. "You think you can just waltz into the sect and steal my woman? I'll crush you right here and now, you insignificant worm!"

The commotion quickly drew the attention of nearby disciples, who began to gather around, eager to see how this confrontation would unfold.

Despite the situation, Lei Ming remained remarkably calm, even with his feet dangling off the ground. His expression was almost amused as he looked down at Lin Tao's hand gripping his collar.

"Steal your woman?" Lei Ming repeated, his tone dripping with mockery. "I didn't realize she was your property. Last I checked, Bai Yuelin didn't seem interested in you at all. In fact, she seemed pretty happy to be rid of you."

Lin Tao's face flushed with anger, his grip tightening. "You—!"

"Oh, I get it now," Lei Ming interrupted, a sly grin spreading across his face. "You're jealous, aren't you? Jealous that she actually enjoys talking to me while you've been chasing after her like a lost puppy for a year with nothing to show for it."

The words hit their mark, and Lin Tao's expression twisted in a mix of rage and humiliation. The crowd around them murmured, some disciples snickering at the boldness of Lei Ming's taunt.

"You bastard!" Lin Tao roared, raising his free hand as if to strike Lei Ming.

But before he could follow through, Lei Ming spoke again, his voice calm and cutting. "Go ahead, hit me. Let everyone see just how much of a sore loser you really are."

Lin Tao hesitated, his hand freezing mid-air. He could feel the eyes of the crowd on him, judging, waiting to see what he would do next. His hesitation only fueled Lei Ming's confidence.

"Or better yet," Lei Ming continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper, "why don't we settle this in the Martial Arena? That is, unless you're too scared to face me on even ground."

The challenge hung in the air, thick with tension. Lin Tao's anger battled with his pride, his eyes narrowing as he weighed his options.

Finally, with a frustrated growl, Lin Tao shoved Lei Ming away, letting him drop back to the ground. "Fine," he spat, his voice low and dangerous. "You want to settle this in the arena? You're on. But don't think for a second that I'll go easy on you. I don't care that you are new to the sect. Someone has to teach you some proper manners"

Lei Ming straightened his clothes, unfazed by the encounter. "We'll see teaches who," he replied coolly, meeting Lin Tao's glare with unwavering confidence.

With that, Lin Tao turned on his heel and stormed off, the crowd parting to let him pass. As the onlookers dispersed, some whispering about the upcoming duel, Lei Ming couldn't help but smile to himself. The day had just gotten a lot more interesting.

'You really do enjoy stirring the pot, don't you, Master?' Qinglan's voice chimed in, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation.

'What can I say?' Lei Ming replied, his grin widening. 'It's more fun this way.'